Rob Ackerman

Position: Centre

Played for Christ College, Brecon, Wales Schools U19. Newport RFC debut 1979/80 age 18yrs on 12th Jan 1980 at Maesteg on wing in WRU Cup (W10-6) and won Wales B cap in Oct 1980. Voted “Newport’s Sportsman of Year” in 1980. Jointly holds Newport record (with 3 others) of scoring 6 tries in a match vs Gloucester in 1980. 22 caps for Wales - debut vs New Zealand at Cardiff in 1980 (proudest moment). 1983 British Lions tour to NZ playing in test at Canterbury (second proudest moment). Left to join Cardiff. Also played for London Welsh and Barbarians. Switched to RL in April 1986. Played for Whitehaven, Salford and Wales RL. Retired end 1992/3. Son of former Newport captain (acting) Doug Ackerman. Teacher. Later coached in Christchurch, NZ, West of Scotland and Glasgow Hawks.